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      I snubbed Man Utd because I didn’t like the atmosphere and once fled a BEAR – now I’m out to beat England for Finland

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      DOWNING a fan’s beer, running for his life from a bear and singing Sweet Caroline on live TV – Finland captain Lukas Hradecky ticks all the boxes for a typically madcap goalkeeper. But the player England must try to score past tomorrow at Wembley is also a history maker.Lukas Hradecky will be in Finland’s goal for their Nations League clash with EnglandThe 34-year-old is the goalkeeper at Bayer LeverkusenHradecky led Finland to their first and only major tournament at Euro 2020. And earlier this year he became the first Finnish footballer to win a title in any of the big five European leagues when he skippered Bayer Leverkusen’s Invincibles to glory.No wonder Slovak-born Hradecky, 34, is one of Finland’s most beloved athletes.He moved to the country from Bratislava before he was two because dad Vladimir had a contract to play semi-pro volleyball in the city of Turku.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHradecky came through the academy of eight-time Finnish champions Turun Palloseura but never played a league game before moving to second-tier Danish side Esbjerg.He earned a week’s trial at Manchester United and was offered the chance to stay on and fight for a permanent deal.But he explained: “I didn’t like the way British clubs worked with their academy teams. And I didn’t really like that atmosphere there.“I don’t mean it in any bad way, but I just didn’t see myself playing at United. So I ended up rejecting the offer.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter an impressive spell at Danish giants Brondby, Hradecky joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2015. He was named Bundesliga goalkeeper of the year in 2017/8 and was the hero of Eintracht’s German cup triumph, saving four penalties across three shootouts on the way to a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the final.West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen descends into chaos with huge brawls on pitch and touchline with COACH sent off Leverkusen snapped Hradecky up on a free transfer and a few weeks later he enjoyed a cheeky drink while on international duty.As he thanked fans after a friendly win over Belarus, he noticed a supporter had a pint, grabbed it – and downed it.But Hradecky tracked down the man he had left thirsty and gave him a full crate of beer, commenting on social media: “The debt is paid.”Finland certainly owe him and his team-mates a lot. For the best part of a 100 years, the country had tried and failed to reach the finals of a major tournament.But a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein in Helsinki in November 2019 broke the curse – and captain Hradecky made good on his vow to sing Sweet Caroline, his go-to karaoke song, in celebration.Ahead of Finland’s opening Euro 2020 game, Hradecky said it would be the most emotional match of his career, especially because he knew the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen so well after making his name in Denmark.But in the first half those emotions changed when Denmark’s Christian Eriksen collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest.Hradecky managed to keep his composure and saved a penalty after the game resumed as Finland won 1-0.Hradecky knows how to interact with fansGreece beat Finland 3-0 on SaturdayHe represented Finland at Euro 2020Hradecky waved as he wore a T-shirt referring to Denmark’s Christian EriksenBut his greatest achievement is surely last season’s Double with Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen.Although if Hradecky had not been quick on his feet during pre-season in the summer of 2019, he might not have been around to lead the club to glory.The keeper was back in Slovakia visiting relatives and went for a jog wearing a heart monitor provided by Leverkusen – only to run into a bear.He told leading German tabloid Bild: “I saw a movement in the distance. I didn’t stay there to see if it was a bear or a big dog.”I wouldn’t try to play dead if a bear was chasing me. I trusted my feet and, thank God, everything ended happily – it was actually a bear.“Our physical department can confirm that I had the highest pulse in all runs this summer.”After escaping a grisly fate, Bundesliga strikers hold a little fear for Hradecky.He kept 15 clean sheets in 33 appearances in Leverkusen’s unbeaten league campaign, but just as important was his leadership on and off the field that made him so popular in the dressing room and in the stands.After a 3-0 home win in February over Bayern, who had won 11 titles in a row, Hradecky climbed into the north end of the BayArena to conduct the ultras in celebration chants.And after lifting the Bundesliga trophy a few months later, Hradecky repeated the stunt and let the fans touch the precious metal.Leverkusen also won the German Cup and completed a 2024 Treble by claiming the Super Cup last month.Phillip Arens, who covers Leverkusen for Bild, describes Hradecky as “normal but special”, a thoroughly down-to-earth bloke with a sparkling personality as well as a great sporting talent.Arens added: “Lukas always says what he thinks, he’s open-minded, he can be funny and he can be serious.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a true original, one of a dying breed like Thomas Muller.”Goalkeepers are renowned for being characters. But Hradecky is a class apart.Lukas Hradecky with the Super Cup trophy last monthHe skippered a star-studded Leverkusen team to their first Bundesliga title More

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      Bruno Fernandes sends 16-word warning to Scott McTominay after former Man Utd star almost ruined his birthday

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes sent a warning to former team-mate Scott McTominay following Portugal’s Nations League match against Scotland on Sunday.McTominay fired Scotland into a shock early lead against Roberto Martinez’s side at Estadio da Luz.Scott McTominay scored for Scotland against Portugal on SundayCredit: APBruno Fernandes responded with an equaliser before commenting on his former team-mate’s InstagramCredit: GettyScotland retained the lead for the remainder of the first half but Fernandes equalised shortly after the break.It was the perfect way to mark his 600th career game – and his 30th birthday.Portugal went on to win the match thanks to a late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.Ex-United midfielder McTominay was left deflated at full-time but took to social media to thank the travelling Scotland fans.Read More on Man UtdFernandes was quick to comment on his post, writing: “I was already missing you my guy but don’t score again at my birthday against me!”McTominay left Man Utd to join Napoli in a £25million transfer on deadline day.United boss Erik ten Hag later admitted he did not want to sell the midfielder.He said: “It is a little bit mixed, I am very happy for him but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He is Manchester United in everything, he was so important for Manchester United.”He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately it is the rules.Awkward moment Erik ten Hag drags Bruno Fernandes out of interview live on Sky Sports when grilled about Man Utd future”Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it is a good deal.”Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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      Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clash

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK bizarrely appeared to snub team-mate and Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in the tunnel before Holland’s win over Bosnia.The Dutch claimed a comprehensive 5-2 Nations League victory on Saturday.Virgil van Dijk appeared to snub Joshua Zirkzee in the tunnelCredit: Optus SportLiverpool man Van Dijk missed the Manchester United man in his round of handshakesCredit: Optus SportRed Devils man Zirkzee, 23, opened the scoring with a creative backwards header for his first international goal.Yet some fans were more drawn to footage from the tunnel before the game.Liverpool and Holland captain Van Dijk, 33, shook hands with a number of his team-mates including Denzel Dumfries and Nathan Ake.He also shared some hi-fives with the Dutch mascots in an endearing gesture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the clip also showed Van Dijk missing out Man Utd man Zirkzee as he greeted the rest of the Holland team.The pair were later seen hugging on the pitch, so it appears it was merely an anomaly.But that did not stop fans speculating on social media.One said: “Zirkzee’s still sore after that pasting last Sunday 😭🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile another added: “Why didn’t Zirkzee shake VVD 😳… did he bring the rivalry into the national team as well 🤦🏽‍♂️.”And a third replied: “Blanked Zirkzee. Good captain?”‘Oh my God’ snaps Gary Neville as Man Utd legend locked in another heated row with Jamie Carragher after Sky Sports spatLiverpool’s Van Dijk kept Zirkzee at bay at Old Trafford earlier this month as Man Utd were humbled in a 3-0 defeat.But the Red Devils forward did squander opportunities to score on a dismal afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s men.Van Dijk and Zirkzee’s moment in the tunnel comes after Argentina team-mates Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister were pictured smiling together during the international break. More

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      Zinedine Zidane reveals why he won’t become Man Utd manager and says ‘I work in a different way’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has revealed why he does not want to become Manchester United manager.The 52-year-old has been out of the dugout since 2021 when his second spell in charge of Real Madrid ended.Zinedine Zidane has ruled himself out becoming Man Utd bossCredit: EPADespite being away from the game for three years, he continues to be linked with top jobs such as Man Utd, Bayern Munich and the French national team.But Zidane has lifted the lid on why he does not see a move to Old Trafford as an option.He told L’Equipe: “Would I want to go to Manchester? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it. “I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win.”Zidane speaks Spanish and Italian fluently.For now, Man Utd are not on the lookout for a new manager after Erik ten Hag signed a new contract in the summer.The Dutchman came close to losing his job as club chiefs spoke to other bosses including Thomas Tuchel.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSZidane’s managerial careerIn four years at Real Madrid: 2x LaLiga2x Supercopa de Espana3x Champions League2x Super Cup2x Club World Cup Pressure is already starting to mount on Ten Hag, with United 14th and on a -3 goal difference in the Premier League after three games.But the club are sticking by him and he has the full support of chiefs Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordBerrada said: “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”“In terms of the contract, that was a decision that was taken prior to both of our arrivals – but we’re very happy with that decision.“Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window.“We’re going to continue working very closely to help him get the best results out of the team.”Ashworth added: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks.“My job is to support him in every way I can whether that’s operationally with recruitment, whether that’s medical, with psychology, or training ground flow.“It’s to take as much of that off him to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match plan to deliver success.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Ex-Premier League champion slammed as ‘strange’ after being accused of doing a runner to avoid transfer exit

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      PREMIER League winner Daniel Amartey has been accused of doing a runner to prevent his current club selling him on.And Turkish giants Besiktas branded the ex-Leicester midfielder a “strange person” after he reportedly snubbed seven different offers to play elsewhere.Besiktas have accused Daniel Amartey of doing a runner to prevent being soldCredit: GettyAmartey joined the Foxes from FC Copenhagen in January 2016 and helped them win a historic league title that May.He went on to make 145 club appearances, scoring three goals, before leaving for Besiktas last year.The Istanbul club has now claimed Amartey, 29, ran off to avoid a move to their Super Lig rivals Eyupspor – and refused to board a plane to join a Saudi Arabian club.He is under contract until 2026 with the club managed by ex-Arsenal star and Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBesiktas spokesman Huseyin Yucel said: “Amartey is a strange person. We made an agreement with a team from Saudi Arabia, but he did not get on the plane.”We agreed [a deal] with Eyupspor, but he escaped through the back door of our facilities.”He said, ‘I will go to Germany or England’. When he was told the transfer window is closed, he said, ‘How will it close?'”Ghana international Amartey rejected the Super Lig club’s claims.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.He insisted: “They are completely untrue. Nothing like that happened – those allegations should be disregarded.”Besiktas general secretary Kaan Sakul previously said Amartey turned down a big-money deal with Dubai side Al-Shabab as well as moves to six other clubs.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe said: “So far seven written offers have been received for Daniel Amartey. We reached an agreement with Al-Shabab.”The player would earn more with them than he would here.”He said OK, we bought his plane ticket, but he gave up.”We asked him why, and he said, ‘I don’t want to play in Dubai’.”We last met with Eyupspor, but the player did not accept this either. Finally we said, ‘Let’s give him what he will get for a year.'”He said OK, but then sent a message saying he gave up. He said he wants to go in January.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmartey was part of Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup-winning matchday squad.However he was accused of disrespect after appearing to throw a Chelsea pennant on to the dressing-room floor after the game. More

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      Laura Woods names her all-time Premier League XI with Man Utd and Arsenal legends dominating

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      LAURA WOODS has named her all-time Premier League XI and boss – with a shock midfield three and NO Sir Alex Ferguson.The footie presenter’s best starting line-up is also dominated by four Arsenal and Manchester United legends.Laura Woods was asked to pick her Premier League all-time XIArsenal hero Patrick Vieira made the cutWoods, 37, mocked up her ultimate Prem XI for BETMGM, with only ONE current player making the cut.In goal, Woods went for Peter Schmeichel, pointing to the impressive accolades achieved by the former Man United keeper.The Denmark international won 15 major honours under Ferguson, including the Treble in 1999 and five Prem titles.Arsenal fan Woods only included one of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard – solely opting for the ex- Liverpool captain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “In the team that Gerrard was in, I think he just dragged everybody up to his level, and I don’t think Liverpool would have had the success of that generation without him.”The rest of the midfield trio was made up by former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira and Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne.Woods said: “Vieira is an incredible player. Again, another leader, so strong. I loved him and Roy Keane going at it in the tunnel.”Vieira won three Premier League titles, while former Man United captain Keane lifted seven.Most read in FootballGary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Tony Adams and Ashley Cole made up Woods’ back-four.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it’s hard to argue with her front-three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.But in a true to shock to everybody – or maybe no one – Woods finished her dream matchday squad with Invincibles manager Arsene Wenger.How Euro 2024 host Laura Woods finally tamed Love Island’s biggest bad boy Adam Collard who made Joey Essex look like a puppyShe said: “Wenger changed the Premier League. No one’s done it unbeaten since. “Everything about the way he treated those players and the way he dragged them from the pubs to the most professional era football in England had ever seen. I think he changed the game in this country.”Meanwhile, Woods hosts Prem football every Saturday on TNT and is a lead presenter on the channel’s Uefa Champions League coverage, after stepping down from her role at talkSPORT.The award-winning broadcaster is expecting her first child with former Love Islander boyfriend Adam Collard, 28.The loved-up couple recently enjoyed a romantic getaway to Ibiza at the end of August.Arsenal manager Arsene Wengergot the nod ahead of Fergie More

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      Man Utd legend slams ‘unfair’ criticism of Casemiro and claims ‘he’s not as old as people talk about’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt has defended Casemiro following his disastrous start to the Premier League season.The Red Devils midfielder, 32, has endured a dismal opening three games of the campaign for Erik ten Hag’s side.Casemiro has had a horror start to the new season in Manchester United’s midfieldCredit: GettyRed Devils legend Nicky Butt has stuck up for the BrazilianCredit: GettyIt culminated in him giving the ball away for two of Liverpool’s goals as Man Utd suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.New £50million signing Manuel Ugarte is expected to replace Casemiro in Ten Hag’s midfield when they return to action at Southampton on Saturday.Yet despite Casemiro’s poor form, Man Utd icon Butt, 49, who won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League during his 13-year stint at the club, has labelled criticism of the ex-Real Madrid man “harsh”.Speaking to Manchester Evening News, he said: “He’s won everything there is to win in the game.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think [the criticism] is a bit unfair. He’s had one horrendous half and everyone is turning against him.“I think it’s a bit harsh, he knows what he is doing.”He’s won more things than I ever did so I wouldn’t sit here and say he’s this, that and the other.”But he did have a bad game, I’m sure he’s had a few before, we all have.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCasemiro won five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, along with three LaLiga titles.He joined Man Utd in 2022 in a deal worth up to £70million and is the highest-paid player on their books, raking in a wage of £375,000 a week.Marcus Rashford releases training video during break after England snub as Man Utd fans say ‘hat-trick incoming’He enjoyed an impressive first season in England, scoring in the Carabao Cup final as Man Utd ended a five-year trophy drought.But the 2023/24 campaign was a disappointing one for the midfielder – who has 75 caps for Brazil.Following a nightmare performance in Man Utd’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace back in May, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher urged Casemiro to “leave the football before the football leaves you”.Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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      Man Utd make huge progress towards building 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ stadium in £2BILLION project

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have taken another step towards building a new 100,000-seater stadium.The Red Devils have entered a strategic partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in a bid to maximise the regeneration opportunities around Old Trafford.Manchester United plan to build a ‘Wembley of the North’Credit: EPAUnited recently entered a strategic partnership to maximise the regeneration opportunities around Old TraffordCredit: AlamyOfficials wish to showcase how a world-class stadium can catalyse wider regeneration and bring social and economic benefits to Trafford Wharfside and the surrounding areas.An advisory team, led by an independent director, will be appointed to support the ongoing work and ensure that it aligns with Trafford Council and the GMCA’s strategy and visions.Findings will be fed into the recommendations of a taskforce chaired by Lord Coe.Discussing the project, Lord Coe said: “The objective of this once-in-a-generation project is not only the development of a world-class stadium for the north of England, but also to ensure that this brings broad social and economic benefits to the local area and surrounding region.Read More on Man Utd”There is a huge opportunity to connect Trafford Wharfside regeneration with the ongoing growth of neighbouring Media City in Salford, and Greater Manchester’s Western Gateway and Central Growth Cluster plans, to create a project of national significance.”The tripartite advisory team will help fully unlock this incredibly exciting potential.”Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has a strong claim to be the biggest footballing city-region on the planet.”Few places come close to matching our heritage and the global impact of our clubs and our culture.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The future of Old Trafford is the next chapter of that story, and we have a chance now to make sure it’s written properly.”With this new partnership we have the expertise, the vision, and the passion to drive forward the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area, and deliver real benefits for the community, the fans, and for the economy across the North.”Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleNew United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been desperate to transform the club’s home into a “Wembley of the North” since taking over earlier this year.The Red Devils plan to keep the current Old Trafford in some form when they eventually move.They have considered scaling it down to a 30,000-seater stadium which then could be used for the women’s team and academy matches.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More